Description

• Design & review courseware for improvement and apply where appropriate prerecorded training videos and other supporting materials
• Create and facilitate user education classes for all software applications for both in-house and on-site locations
• Work with programmers and technical writer to ensure that course materials reflect current product releases and coincide with course content
• Maintain and publish the training calendar
• Maintain accurate records relative to the confirmation of each scheduled class
• Coordinate all internal employee training and facilitate new-hire training
• Publish a training report following each class
• Participate in the training manual and software documentation design review process
• Perform quality testing of all software applications
• Create, maintain, and publish monthly training performance statistics
• Ensure that the corporate training facility is properly maintained
• Complete other tasks and projects as assigned
• 25% – 35% travel required

Requirements

• BA/BS in Communications, Business, or equivalent
• Three to five years experience in facilitating user training in a software and technical environment
• Ability to interpret scopes of work to the system configuration
• Ability to effectively communicate conceptual complex issues to customers in a clear and concise manner
• Proven ability in designing and creating course outlines and content for new software packages, as well as in revising and improving existing courses
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal/written communications skills, and the ability to function effectively in a team environment
• Ability to remain poised under pressure with a high degree of diplomacy
• Knowledge of complex database packages and experience in working in a technical environment
• Telecom industry experience a plus
• Self-driven to excel in career
• Contribute to the success of the company

Tools Preferred

• Adobe Tech Comm Suite2, FrameMaker in particular
• Captivate

Please submit resumes to info@telesoft.com.

Our client is a leading provider of powerful business management solutions. They are seeking a Technical Writer for their User Assistance department. The successful candidate will join their team of enthusiastic professionals developing Help-focused content for the powerful customer-centric software offerings.

Primary responsibilities:

• Works on complex documentation projects requiring effective planning, scheduling, research, and writing in a fast-paced, agile software development environment
• Works with cross-functional project teams to design, develop, edit, and update procedural instructions for multiple audiences 
• Gathers and interprets technical data to support content development 
• Interviews subject matter experts and experiments with software to obtain technical and product knowledge 
• Verifies online help topics and other product documentation.  

Skills Required:

• 2-5 years of experience writing customer-facing materials in a software development environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• A positive and enthusiastic approach to technical challenges 
• Attention to detail and a drive for quality and innovation 
• An aptitude for simplifying technical content 
• The ability to manage multiple tasks and assignments 
• Experience with Flare, RoboHTML, FrameMaker, or comparable Information Design tools 
• Basic competence using the Microsoft Office product suite

Experience in one or more of the following areas is a plus: 

• Client Relationship Management software 
• Agile methodology 
• Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, C#, and/or JavaScript

Education required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Please submit resumes to Bobby Stenson at bob@pegastaff.com or Rocio Bonilla @ rocio@pegastaff.com.

Communications Specialist (Writer and Editor)
Write, design, and publish information about Go Daddy products and services. A Communications Specialist is one part journalist, one part copywriter and one part technical writer. You’ll work as a liaison between departments to make sure we’re getting the right information at the right time to Go Daddy customers and employees.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following (other duties may be assigned):
• Manage projects (both scheduled and impromptu) on a daily basis.
• Write and edit internal, corporate content, including:
       Company news
       Project updates
       Employee communication
• Write and edit content for Go Daddy customers, including:
       Customer emails
       Help articles
       Blog posts
       Guides and tutorials
• Interview product managers and subject matter experts
• Research and gather information about Go Daddy products and Web trends

Competencies:
• Outstanding writing and editing skills
• Exceptional interview skills
• Strong decision-making skills
• Successful project management skills
• Eye for design (design skills a plus)
• Familiarity with publishing tools/platforms (InDesign, Pages, Photoshop, WordPress)
• Comfort with managing multiple, aggressive deadlines   Education and/or Experience:
• 5 or more years of professional writing and editing
• Experience writing for multiple audiences
• Experience as a copy editor
• Communications-related degree

Why work for us?
• Founder and CEO Bob Parsons named 2007 recipient of the Arizona Business Leadership Award
• Ranked No. 8 on the Inc. 500 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the United States
• Ranked No. 20 on the 2005 Deloitte Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology companies in North America
• GoDaddy.com Named 2004 Arizona Hot Growth Company, in a statewide competition sponsored by bizAZ magazine
• Best Places to Work; GoDaddy.com named as one of the best workplace environments by The Business Journal in 2004-2009

We provide:
• A fun, dynamic, and challenging work environment
• 100% paid medical and dental
• 3 weeks paid vacation in the first year
• Educational assistance
• Subsidized meals on-site
• 401k with matching employer funds

Go Daddy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer!  Interested in applying for this great opportunity with Go Daddy? Submit your application at https://www.hirebridge.com/v3/application/applink.aspx?cid=5475&jid=103806.

Certification will be possible for the following six areas:

• Authoring (content creation)
• Delivery
• Document design
• Project management
• Quality assurance
• User analysis

Read the article: A Monumental Day Dawns for Technical Communicators: Certification!

Plain Language Examples Needed

The Center for Plain Language is looking for examples of great communication…and for some that aren’t so great for new awards. Deadline for submission is Feb 15. Awards announcement will be April 29 in Washington DC.  See ClearMark Award.

For Usability Buffs

Interested in user experience design? Check these two resources:
»  Arizona chapter of the Usability Professionals Association
»  Rosenfeld Media

Style Guide

Of Read Me First! A Style Guide for the Computer Industry, Sun Microsystems says: “The must-have reference for every technical writer, editor, and documentation manager – now fully updated!” From Sun Technical Publications.

Font Conference

Take a few minutes to view “Font Conference,” a thoroughly delightful video from collegehumor.com. Make sure your sound is on.

Stickie Bingo for Better Course Design

Join us for a Webinar on October 29, 2009

Have you ever wanted to know an effective way to determine what information to include in your courses?  In this Webinar, you will learn how to identify tasks, steps, processes, objectives, and assessments for a specific job using a visual method that quickly derives results.

Highly Respected and Expert Presenter
Jane MacKenzie-Smith, is a Certified Performance Technologist from the International Society for Performance Improvement who has developed training for classroom, multimedia, and e-learning for most of her life.  As owner of JEM Communications, LLC (www.jemcommunications.com), she provides course design and workshops on instructional design and e-Learning.  She is the Past Manager of the Instructional Design & Learning (IDL) Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Society for Technical Communication (STC), a newly elected STC Fellow, and a popular presenter at STC events.

Your Investment
$20 IDL SIG member of the STC
$30 STC Member – Join the IDL SIG to break even on this Webinar, and save money on future Webinars.
$70 Non member - Consider joining the STC today. You can enjoy the valuable benefits of being an STC member, and receive great member pricing for this Webinar and others. http://www.stc.org/membership/

Sign Up Now!
Register for the time of day that fits your schedule. Please be sure to sign up for the correct time (day or evening) because we cannot switch you to the other Webinar time. Also, be sure to select “Show in My Time Zone” when registering.

• Day Webinar: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/227142842
  1:30 – 2:30 PM (Eastern Time); 12:30 – 1:30 PM (Central Time);
  11:30 – 12:30 PM (Mountain Time); 10:30 – 11:30 AM (Pacific Time)
• Evening Webinar: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/718996682
  8:00 – 9:00 PM (Eastern Time); 7:00 – 8:00 PM (Central Time);
  6:00 – 7:00 PM (Mountain Time); 5:00 – 6:00 PM (Pacific Time)

After registering, you will be directed automatically to a payment selection page. After paying, you will receive a confirmation e-mail within 2 to 3 days.

Session Materials and More
Several days before the Webinar you will receive an e-mail with login details and instructions for viewing session materials. After the Webinar, you will receive information for viewing the recorded Webinar.

System Requirements

Audio can be through either your computer (VoIP with a fast Internet connection, microphone, and speakers), or a long-distance telephone connection.  For more system requirements, see FAQs, Attending a Webinar at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/en_US/island/webinar/support.tmpl.

Questions about This Webinar?

• Jane MacKenzie-Smith jane@jemcommunications.com
• Linda Stinger LindaStinger@comcast.net

Personally, I’m juggling dollars to come up with the dues. I’m probably going to take the four-month payment plan STC International is offering–a bit less painful that way. When I consider the value I’ve received from STC, especially the Phoenix Chapter, it’s a small investment in my career and potential earnings.

Yes, we’ve all experienced fewer dollars in our pockets this past year, some more than others. And, uncertainty regarding jobs, contracts, and potential employment has hit hard. But, things seem to be getting better. While not the great rush we’d like it to be, but there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

STC Phoenix has been good to me: jobs, friends, and opportunities for personal growth. It wasn’t given to me, I participate and I’ve earned it. Volunteering may not pay in dollars, it does pay in personal satisfaction and the potential to learn something new.

As you contemplate your renewal decision here are a couple articles for you to read. They may help:

• http://cybertext.wordpress.com/2009/10/15/making-the-case-for-renewing-stc-membership/
• http://www.scriptorium.com/blog/2009/10/a-mercenary-view-of-stc.html.
• http://www.hedtke.com/downloads/Of_Course!.pdf

I look forward to seeing you all at the November 10, 2009 Meet and Greet at the Duck and Decanter, Camelback & 16th Street.

Until then,

Karen L. Zorn
President, STC Phoenix

STC has reserved a private room at The Old Spaghetti Factory in downtown Phoenix. The address: 1418 N Central Ave, just south of McDowell Road on the west side of the street.

Order from a standard menu. Pay your own tab. And don’t miss the chance to chat up another attendee who just might have some news or information that could help advance your career!

Also, be sure to save August 11, 2009 for the next event. Details coming soon.

Meeting Information

Date/Time

Tuesday, July 14, 2009
5:30 – Networking; 6:00 – Dinner and networking

Dinner Options

Order from the standard menu; pay your own tab.

Please RSVP

Please RSVP to confirm your attendance by sending an email to arrangements@stc-phoenix.com.

by Ms. Grammar

Have you ever noticed sentences that begin weakly? One of the most commonly used, yet weak, starts to a sentence includes the word “there,” as in “There is something wrong with this sentence.”

When the word “there” used in this way, it is considered to be a function word that introduces the sentence. Ms. Grammar asks you, what is the benefit? Wikipedia explains that function words have little lexical meaning (or are ambiguous in meaning); they serve to express grammatical relationships with other words within a sentence, or specify the attitude or mood of the speaker.

While it is perfectly fine to start a sentence with “there” in some instances, in technical writing, you will almost always have stronger, clearer writing if you start your sentences in another way.

Consider the following examples – Don’t you agree that the suggested alternatives clearer and more direct?

» Weak: There are three possible solutions to the problem.

» Stronger: You can solve the problem in one of three ways. 
                        Or, Three solutions to the problem exist.

» Weak: There is a main reactor for the co-precipitation reaction.

» Stronger: A main reactor is used for the co-precipitation reaction.

Test yourself

Can you improve the following sentences?

1. There seems to be no alternative to our proposal.
2. There are four modes for primary system operation.
3. There are two parts to each query’s configuration, the Definitions query and Values query.

Stronger:

1. No alternatives to our proposal seem to exist.
2. The primary system can be operated in one of four modes.
3. Each query’s configuration consists of two parts, the Definitions query and Values query.

Use this form to register for our Tuesday, January 13, 2009 Meeting and/or the full day Workshop on Wednesday, January 14, 2009. You’ll be able to pick one or both when you see the payment screen.

by Gloria McConnell

Welcome to the “Back Page,” a column presenting the editor’s thoughts on all things tech. comm.

It seems like I have been in a time crunch forever. I’m sure it is true for you, too. Whether it is at home or at work, the time to do all of the things I want to do, or to do them the way that I want to, just does not exist. I have long given up any perfectionist tendencies (that very phrase makes me laugh with an on-the-edge tinge of hysteria), and settled for “it is good enough,” well, it is better than it was,” “it will just have to do,” or “too bad, it will have to wait.”

For quite a few years in the world of information development, my first question has been, “How can I serve the user and still meet my deadlines?” One answer I’ve found is to really challenge two notions that many information developers hold dear: the notion that because a tool has a particular functionality, we should use it, and the notion of completeness for completeness’ sake. Here are two outstanding examples:

• A FrameMaker book that included more text inset files within its chapter files than it did chapter files in the book. And text insets within text insets!
• A RoboHelp HTML Help project overburdened with “helpful” hyperlinks.

Text Inset Insanity

This migraine began with an admirable goal in mind? separate text files would be used for information and procedures that were common to the installation and upgrade guides for three separate products. The files would be imported into separate chapters within the different books. Single sourcing is a good thing, and Adobe FrameMaker allows a file to be imported into a chapter file such that it is treated as part of the chapter.

What could be the problem? This is a difficult case to explain, but I will do my best. As the products went through new releases, the understanding of what should be “single sourced” became muddied. Specific needs and conditions arose, and the solution was to create more and more text inset files to deal with them all.

No specific person, such as an information architect, kept tabs on the information to determine whether it should be handled as a text inset or integrated into the main chapter files. No one established basic content guidelines, for that matter (for example, in some cases the heading was included in the main chapter and sometimes in the text inset). Multiple writers worked on these documents, and I’m sure that they each did their best. But without any oversight, or time to re-evaluate and correct the problems, file management issues and the limitations of FrameMaker overtook any benefits that may have initially existed.

The new information developer assigned to the project for the current release found himself mired in a plethora of problems, most significantly, creating and maintaining cross references. It turns out that FrameMaker is very persnickety about cross references to content within a text inset. The information developer spent 90% of his time battling tool problems, and 10% of the time working on actual content. Many overtime hours were required to meet the deadline.

At this point in time, the problems cannot be solved easily, but a dedicated analysis of the content can lead to a proper solution. It will be time consuming. If more thought had been given to how the approach would be managed and maintained, instead of unconditionally embracing the FrameMaker text inset functionality, the team would not find itself burdened with the problems it faces – with each release – today.

Hyperlink Hell

The RoboHelp project included mucho reference information concerning ActiveX control methods, properties, events, and enumerations used in the creation of custom controls for the particular product being documented. Nothing wrong with that; the problem I ran into was the fact that introductory topics existed for each section of content, with hyperlinks to each and every method, property, event, and enumeration in the introductory topics – over 300 in all.

While all those links may seem like a friendly thing to do for the user, the reality is that hyperlink creation and maintenance is very time consuming. As the ActiveX control library is expanded, new links must be added. The alphabetized table of hyperlinks needs to be reorganized. Over time, links can break, so additional testing is required for those hyperlinks.

Now, think about it? do users really need/will they even use all those hyperlinks? In an HTML Help file, the Contents pane sits at the ready, all topics listed and linked. And the Contents listing is maintained automatically by RoboHelp!

A much more efficient approach, equally useful for the user, would have been to introduce each section (methods, properties, events, and enumerations), then point the user to the Contents pane for a complete listing of each section.

In both of these cases, tools capability trumped an analysis of just what was needed by the user and how the solution would be managed in the future. Simpler, less tool-intensive solutions could have served users well, and helped ensure that developers would meet their deadlines.

Use this form to register for the virtual meeting on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 4:30 p.m.

WordPress is a free and powerful tool for blogging, podcasting, and content management. Our virtual workshop is meant to help the non-technical and technical alike. It answers these questions and more:

• How can I create audio (podcast) and video content (YouTube, MySpace, or other video service options) and embed it in my blog or webpage?

• What free and low-cost tools exist to enhance my blog or podcasts?
• How do blogs impact search engine placement?

Matt will also provide a quick overview of RSS or subscription and syndication (and why you should care).

About Matt Moran
Matthew Moran is the author of The IT Career Builder’s Toolkit published by Cisco Press. His articles on technology, professional development, business, and new media have appeared in print and online publications, including: The Wall Street Journal’s Career Journal, Windows Professional Magazine, informit.com, and many others. He speaks nationally, writes the popular blog, Notes From The Toolshed, and writes and performs original music.

http://www.MatthewMoranOnline.com

Cost: $10, PayPal only
Event Date/Time: 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Registration deadline: Noon, Monday November 10, 2008

To register for the meeting, click here. You will be emailed the event login information.

We’re sorry but there has been a problem with your registration at iContact.com, our email delivery service.

Please Note: If you do not have a PayPal account, you can pay with credit card by finding the “Continue” link on the left side of the PayPal page that will appear when you click the PayPal buttons below. The Continue link is found under the “Don’t Have a PayPal Account?” heading and above the small images of credit cards on the PayPal page.

Warning:Please do not click the PayPal icons unless you have already completed the Meeting Reservation Form. Thank you!

Please scroll down and pick the PayPal button that matches your needs:

Dinner Only Payments

STC Phoenix Dinner/Meeting (Members): $25

STC Phoenix Dinner/Meeting (Non-Members): $30

STC Phoenix Dinner/Meeting (Student): $15

STC Phoenix Member + First Time Guest Dinner/Meeting: $40

Program Only Payments

STC Phoenix Program Only: $10

Also use this button to pay for Member and first-time guest doing Program Only.

Workshop Only Payments

STC Phoenix Workshop (Members): $100

STC Phoenix Workshop (Non-Members): $150

Dinner Meeting Plus Workshop Payments

STC Phoenix Dinner/Meeting Plus Workshop (Members): $125

STC Phoenix Dinner/Meeting Plus Workshop (Non-Members): $180

STC Phoenix Dinner/Meeting Plus Workshop (Students): $115

Program Only Meeting Plus Workshop Payments

STC Phoenix Program Only Plus Workshop (Members): $110

STC Phoenix Program Only Plus Workshop (Non-Members): $160

Use this form to register for the Lights, Camera, Murder event/meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 2008.

Phoenix Chapter Administrative Council

President
Karen L. Zorn – president@stc-phoenix.com

Vice President
Debra Duane – vice_president@stc-phoenix.com

Secretary
Karen Pasley – secretary@stc-phoenix.com

Treasurer
Open position, Dana Osborne, pro tem – treasurer@stc-phoenix.com

Programs
Maggie Haenel – programs@stc-phoenix.com

Membership Manager
Norm Haskett – membership@stc-phoenix.com

Immediate Past President
Dana Osborne – past_president@stc-phoenix.com

Chapter Committee and Subcommittee Managers

Arrangements Manager (Meeting Rooms, dinners, etc.)
Shelly Duncan – arrangements@stc-phoenix.com

Bylaws
Tom Barnett – bylaws@stc-phoenix.com

AzSEF – High School Technical Writing Competition
Gloria McConnell – azsef@stc-phoenix.com

Competitions – Southwest Regional:Technical Publications, Art, and Online
Lisa Hall and Roberta Davidson – pao@stc-phoenix.com

Education
Maggie Haenel – education@stc-phoenix.com

Employment
Michelle Parcell – employment@stc-phoenix.com

Hospitality
David Borough – hospitality@stc-phoenix.com

Membership Survey
Maura Betler – survey@stc-phoenix.com

Newsletter Editor
Gloria McConnell – newsletter@stc-phoenix.com

Nominations
Open position – nominations@stc-phoenix.com

Public Relations
Mike Schwinghammer – public_relations@stc-phoenix.com

Scholarship/Student Advisor
Marian Stone – scholarship@stc-phoenix.com

Student Liaisons
Barry Maid – student_liaison@stc-phoenix.com

Sister Chapters
Tom Barnett – sister_chapters@stc-phoenix.com

Technical Communication Week
Tom Barnett – tech_comm_week@stc-phoenix.com

Tech Writing Competition College (international) 2006-2007
Open position – tw_college_competition@stc-phoenix.com

Volunteers
Julie Biel – volunteer@stc-phoenix.com

Website
Tim Slavin – web_site@stc-phoenix.com
Michelle Parcell (Employment) – employment@stc-phoenix.com
Robin McGraw (Newsletter) – newsletter@stc-phoenix.com

US Mail

8515 E. Milagro Ave.
Mesa, AZ 85209-7327

Please note: Open position are not necessarily monitored email addresses. For general inquiries, please contact president@stc-phoenix.com